There’s something magical about the way sweet and savory flavors mingle on a perfectly cooked chicken wing. The crispy skin, the sticky glaze, the juicy bite—it’s pure bliss. When I first made these pineapple glazed wings in my air fryer, I knew they’d become one of my go-to recipes for quick dinners, game-day snacks, or even as a fun weekend treat. The best part? They come together in just 30 minutes without heating up the whole kitchen.
I’m all about recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, and this one checks all the boxes. The air fryer works its magic by crisping the wings beautifully while locking in their juiciness. Then, the glaze—oh, the glaze!—adds a tropical sweetness that balances perfectly with a hint of savory spice. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: Fresh or thawed wings work best for this recipe. Look for wings that are meaty and have a good balance of skin to meat. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, creating the perfect base for that sticky glaze to cling to.
Pineapple juice: This is the star of the glaze. It adds a natural sweetness and subtle tang that makes these wings irresistible. Fresh pineapple juice works wonderfully, but store-bought 100% juice is just as good for convenience.
Soy sauce: This brings in the savory, umami depth that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. I prefer using a low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavors balanced without overpowering the wings with salt.
Honey: A touch of honey enhances the glaze’s stickiness and adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with pineapple. It also helps the glaze cling to the wings for that irresistible glossy finish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the glaze a punch of aromatic flavor. It’s the perfect savory counterpoint to all that sweetness.
Ginger: Whether fresh or ground, ginger adds a gentle heat and tropical warmth that ties all the flavors together. It’s subtle, but you’ll miss it if it’s not there.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the glaze to that luscious, clingy consistency. Without it, the glaze would run right off your wings.
Cooking spray: A light spray on the air fryer basket and wings keeps them from sticking and helps them crisp up beautifully without extra oil.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Cooking spray
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Pineapple Glazed Wings
Step 1: Prepare the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key to getting that crispy skin. Lightly spray them with cooking spray and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Step 2: Air fry the wings
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Make the glaze
While the wings are cooking, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Coat the wings
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the pineapple glaze over the wings and toss until each piece is beautifully coated and glossy.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately while they’re hot and sticky. These wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer with napkins at the ready!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Dry your wings well before air frying—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Fresh pineapple juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
- Double the glaze if you want extra for dipping—it’s that good.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
Can I make these in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the glaze.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with the wings.
What can I serve with these wings?
They pair beautifully with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a simple cucumber salad.